What is a counterattack typically formed to achieve during an enemy's assault?

A counterattack is strategically planned to deny the enemy their objectives during an assault. When an enemy strikes, they often have specific goals such as capturing territory, disrupting operations, or inflicting casualties. A counterattack serves to thwart these intentions by striking back at the enemy's forces, thereby disrupting their momentum and undermining their efforts.

This tactical maneuver can achieve several secondary effects, such as forcing the enemy to divert resources away from their primary objectives or creating opportunities for retreat or regrouping for the defending force. However, the primary intent remains focused on the direct engagement with the enemy to negate their advances and prevent them from achieving their combat objectives.

On the contrary, other options present different tactical outcomes that do not align with the primary purpose of a counterattack. While regrouping forces, gaining ground, or collecting intelligence can be aspects of overall military strategy, they do not capture the essential aim of a counterattack, which is to directly counter the enemy's advance and deny them their goals.